He said: “950 hackney cars are available in Cardiff to supply the demand UHW needs as the largest hospital in Wales. We also have the biggest fleet of wheelchair vehicles in the taxi trade.

“We believe the public can make a change and that is why we have started a petition.

“We all take pride in supporting those working in the medical profession. However, we will lose this rank if we don’t unite and show our support.”

Any unauthorised vehicles set down there will receive an automatic £70 fine using the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Heath councillor Graham Hinchey has met with taxi drivers and is organising a meeting with the health board to try and find a resolution.

He said: "Adding unnecessary costs, by charging for the rank, will not provide any benefits to the patients, staff and visitors who use it.

"The additional cost will only be passed on to customers. It could also lead to a private company from outside Cardiff taking work away and bringing vehicles that are not as easily identifiable as the black and white hackney vehicles.

“People need to travel to and from this hospital more easily and I have constantly argued for a public transport (bus, taxi and cycle) hub to be built on the UHW site near the concourse.

“This would not only ease the problem for the 10,000 people who visit every day, it would also reduce car reliance and serve as the centre for a cross Cardiff Hub, allowing people to travel to different parts of the city without having to go into the town.”

A spokeswoman for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: “We are still going through the procurement process prior to awarding the contract. We have contacted the chair of the Cardiff Hackney Carriage Association on two occasions to discuss their concerns but have received no response.”